ROAD CYCLING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 145, 22 May 1939, Page 2

ROAD CYCLING.

The third road race of the season, to Sanson and return, was held by the Palmerston North amateur cyclists on Saturday. There was a large field, even though the weather was unfavourable.

The first rider away was R. Bridle and then followed It. Ivillington, these two riders, being together at Newbury. They were caught near Awahuri by AAh Sheridan and O. Campbell, who were closely followed by a bunch comprising, IJ. Hall, H. Essex. I. Little and E. AATlson. Further back was H. Donovan alone. At this stage Donovan had dropped bis co-marker. E. Johnson. Then came the virtual scratch bunch which comprised R. Loader, D. McNab and L. Hazelwood. Oil the climb up Mt. Stewart the riders strung out a little and the hack markers gained ground. At this stage a number of riders withdrew i'roirj the race. The first hunch to turn at Sanson comprised E. AYilson. B. Hall and H. Essex; next came H. Donovan, then R. Loader and D. McNab, further hack being E. Johnson. R. Ivillington and L. Hazelwood. AVith a following wind home the leaders increased tlioir lead. At the top of fylt. Stewart, H. Essex and E. AVilson were together in front. Passing through Awahuri E. Wilson had gained about 220 yards on H. Essex: then came H. Donovan closely followed by B. Hall. At this sta.ge the virtual scratch men were beaten for time, and time honours rested with E. AYilson and TL Donovan. About three miles from the finish H. Essex caught E. AA'ilson and in a fast finish the former was the winner. H. Donovan, after riding nearly the whole race alone, was defeated for fastest time by 36 seconds. The following were the nlacings :—H. Essex (4min.) 1. E. AVilson CHmin.) 2, H. Donovan (2^min A 3. The fastest times were: —E. AVilson, Hir. 18 min. 14 1-Csec.; H. Donovan, lhr. IS min. CO l-ssec